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Petite beads of blue lapis lazuli fall from an elegant flower, crafted of sterling silver with a combination of finishes. Designed by Peru's Teodoro Melendez and Family, this pendant necklace celebrates the beauty of nature. The pendant centers a length of rolo chain.

Exposed to the unique designs of pre-Hispanic culture by his father, an archeologist and museum curator, Teodoro turned his interest into a livelihood. He learned the hammering, stamping, burning and casting techniques of early craftsmen, using them to create unique jewelry steeped in the culture of ancient Peru. Through his family workshop, he continues to pass these techniques to other artisans. Teodoro has dedicated his life’s work to perpetuating pre-Hispanic jewelry design and production techniques, many of which he was introduced to by Victor Larco, the founder of the Pre-Columbian Museum in Lima.

In his ninth decade of life, Teodoro is no longer able to work and often requires assistance with walking and daily activities. His son and daughter now care for him. In spite of his poor health, he continues to spend time at his workshop, inspiring and guiding the creation of the art he has dedicated his life to.

Teodoro was the victim of a fraud that threatened his economic survival. The resulting stress led to a stroke. Through two years of intensive therapy, the love and support of his family enabled him to continue his art and return to his workshop.

Andes

"One of my most cherished moment was when I had a small workshop and my children, Carlos and Alicia, where with me while I was cutting gems by hand."

"I was born in 1924 in Trujillo, known as the 'city of eternal spring.' None of my parents were artisans, in fact dad was an archeologist and mom a homemaker. However my artistic formation came from my dad during his work as an archeologist in pre-Hispanic sites, and later as the curator of a museum. That's when I became inspired to craft jewelry with designs and motifs unique to ancient Peru. It has been my passion and my life ever since then.

"It all actually began as a hobby, but with the passing of time it became something more serious for me, especially after reading the books by Julio C. Tello. I learned so much from them about my country's history and the different cultures that once made part of it. I mainly take my inspiration from these books to design my jewelry and select the gemstone that are a better for them.

"One of my most cherished moment was when I had a small workshop and my children, Carlos and Alicia, where with me while I was cutting gems by hand. Then we put them through a little machine to perfect the contours. Mine was a small workshop and we could not afford the larger, pricier machines.

"In my free time I enjoy swimming, soccer and basketball. I would describe my work as having a strong pre-Hispanic essence that is allowed to be sold outside of Peru. Reason being that the original pieces are obviously considered patrimony of the state and their sale is banned. That's why I love the idea that foreigners can get to share part of our history through my designs, where I try to replicate both metals and gems.

"Through my collections I try to convey the value of our cultures, and I think people will appreciate the work. It includes hammering, stamping, burin work and melting – techniques we've been using for quite a while now, just like the Peruvian silversmiths of yore. I've exhibited my work in museums and galleries in Lima.

"The biggest challenge I have faced is starting from zero, without the support of either the banks or other financial institutions. Little by little we've grown since then and have become a sustainable family enterprise.

"To Novica customers I would like to say that each of my designs represents a lifetime of dedication to the promotion of pre-Hispanic art for the newer generations to appreciate."

3 Testimonials for Teodoro Melendez and Family

Diane

I love the swirling colors! The blue is perfect for me! I use these everyday!

Levenez

These beautiful earrings were a gift for my mother. She is going to look for a matching dress and wear them to my wedding. We both want to thank you! Kind regards from the Netherlands, Levenez